Manhattan High boys basketball will kick off their season on Dec. 3 when they host Topeka High for the season opener. Manhattan High is coming off a 10-12 record last season, and losing four seniors. The biggest loss for the team is alumni Owen Braxmeyer, who led the team in almost all offensive categories. 

However, Manhattan has many returning Varsity players. Seniors Tate Brown and Cade Perkins will look to make a big impact again this season. Both players saw crucial minutes last season and both players can shoot the three-ball and get to the basket. The other returning Varsity senior is Trey Holloway, who was injured for the majority of the season last year. 

Despite the losses, the seniors may not be the only class looking to make a large impact on the court this season. Some sophomores saw Varsity action last season, the most came from Jack Wilson. Wilson, who averaged just under double digits last season and will look to continue being a threat on both sides of the court. With his size and athleticism, he’ll be a weapon for Manhattan all season long. Junior Cole Coonard also saw some action in Varsity games throughout the 2020-2021 season.

Perkins will look to use the team’s strengths this year to push them to a successful season. 

“I think we can be a really good shooting team,” Perkins said. “We can also get out and run.” 

Manhattan’s ability to shoot beyond the arc was a large reason for their success in games last season. However, last season’s slow start seemed to doom the Indians. This year, Manhattan heads into the season with high hopes. 

“We’ll definitely be competing for a top spot in the League, ” Brown said. “I believe Junction and Seaman will be the two that we’ll be fighting with for the top spot.”

Winning the Centennial League isn’t the only goal Brown has for this year’s team. 

“Our goal is to make it to the state tournament and compete for the championship,” Brown said. “That empty banner in the gym bothers me.”